Sofia waste contracts halted as firms fight rulings

Two companies have challenged Sofia’s waste management contract decisions through complaints submitted to the Commission for the Protection of Competition. Public procurement regulations prevent the municipality from finalizing agreements until courts resolve these disputes.

Chistota Sredets contested the cancellation of cleaning services for Zone 3, which covers the Izgrev, Slatina, and Poduyane neighborhoods. Deputy Mayor for Ecology Nadezhda Bobcheva said the municipality abandoned that procurement process after the sole qualified bidder withdrew before price proposals opened. District administrators agreed to temporarily handle waste collection while officials develop permanent arrangements.

The second challenge comes from Pochistvane Triaditsa over Zone 6 servicing in Lyulin and Krasno Selo. Bobcheva explained that the municipality canceled that tender because the submitted bid far exceeded the established budget limit. Municipal enterprise Sofekostroy has assumed responsibility for the area alongside the Sofia Waste Treatment Enterprise. City council members authorized 9 million leva for new equipment purchases to expand Sofekostroy’s operational capacity.